Muskoka Modern: First Pictures, Exterior

The lakeside view is almost entirely glass; the balconies were added on site. Architect Martin Kohn of Kohn Shnier designed the building as a sixteen foot deep (maximum module width) wall with every room facing the lake. Because of the grading, he placed the bedrooms on the lower level and the living spaces up on top (This makes a lot of sense in a cottage, where one comes up from swimming and has to change)

The exterior balconies were built on site by Wayne Judges, a talented local builder. Note that the stainless steel mesh has not yet been installed in the handrails.

The terrain is rock, and quite steep. It was disturbed as little as possible, and tree removal was minimized. Because of the difference in grade, Kohn placed the living areas upstairs and the bedrooms below; this way one can change after swimming and then go upstairs to the living areas. One enters by crossing a long bridge from the parking area to the house.

The cladding on the forest side is zinc, installed on site.

A curtain wall encloses the stair connecting the floors.

a continuous balcony and walkway faces the lake; an eating counter has a lift-up window into the kitchen.

At the end is an "outdoor room", which is not being used today as a huge electrical storm moves in during our visit.

The hailstorm is extraordinary; a great test to see if the place holds up.

You can see the water pouring out of the scuppers, completely missing the rocks placed below.

Congratulations to Martin Kohn of Kohn Shnier Architects, Barbora and Brigitte and everyone who worked on this remarkable project, and to our wonderful client who made it all possible.